Arch. Kalu Uche: Renowned Architect and Business Strategist Bridging Housing Gap With Innovative Real Estate Projects
Architect Ambassador Kalu Uche’s profound understanding that creating value is the key to generating wealth and making a lasting societal impact has driven him to leverage his expertise in bridging Nigeria’s housing gap. Through his visionary and result-oriented approach, Capital City Development Limited, a group of companies comprising of Capital City Estates, Africore Construction Limited, Citycore Limited, Realtors Limited and Property Trade Limited has emerged as a leading firm in the country, transforming the arena of Nigerian real estate.
A renowned architect and business strategist with 23 years of experience in housing and real estate development, he is a graduate of Architecture and holds an MBA from Garden City Business School. As the CEO of Capital City Group, he has successfully established a comprehensive housing system in Port Harcourt and beyond, and he has dedicated his career to transforming urban landscapes and providing innovative housing solutions. He has been driven by a passion to provide affordable and comfortable housing for individuals and families.
Explaining how Capital City has adapted to changing market trends in the real estate sector, he said that ” Capital City has established itself as a leader in the real estate sector by training and developing highly competent consultants. These experts guide individuals in making informed real estate choices, ensuring profitable investments and high returns. Our team has successfully protected investors from losses by identifying reputable real estate organizations and facilitating wise investment decisions. To address the challenge of limited financial resources, we’ve created flexible acquisition models. These models enable investors to purchase properties through installment payments over an extended period. Notably, we have introduced one of the longest private mortgage systems, providing investors with greater flexibility.
We are also developing innovative business models to support entrepreneurs in the business space. Our platform is built on integrity, creativity, and expertise, allowing us to craft tailored solutions that meet the unique needs and preferences of our clients. This approach has enabled us to develop over 14 locations across the country, offering diverse choices for individuals and unifying the country through seamless real estate acquisition.”
On the corporate value driving the company’s integrity, he stated that “ Capital City prioritizes maintaining the highest ethical standards. As an organization, we strive to operate with integrity, honesty, and transparency. Our guiding philosophy emphasizes doing things the right way, not just for profit, but because it’s the morally correct approach. This commitment to ethics and integrity is the foundation of our business practices and relationships.”
Proud of the impact being made by his company, he emphasized that Capital City’s business approach and its innovative real estate solutions are setting it apart. In his words, ” In Port Harcourt alone, our notable estates- Gold Town Estate, Coral Gold Estate, Newtown Estate as well over 93 other mixed-used estates in Nigeria, offer a unique and desirable living environment. Our mission is centred around customer satisfaction, ensuring that every client enjoys a seamless and fulfilling experience with our products.
What sets us apart is our customer-focused approach, attention to detail, and dedication to supporting our clients’ investments. We also leverage technology to enhance our services, including the Property Trade App, available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store. This app serves as a one-stop-shop for real estate investment decisions, allowing users to explore products, interact with us, and make payments remotely. We maintain strong relationships with government agencies involved in housing development, collaborating on strategies and partnerships to deliver exceptional products that our clients appreciate.”
On what government can do to support the real estate sector, he advised that ” Establishing a clear land ownership policy is crucial for the government, as it would facilitate easy land acquisition, trusted ownership titles, and streamlined collaboration. Government intervention can also resolve land-related disputes, which account for 70-80% of court cases, by working with local communities and stakeholders to ensure well-titled and encumbrance-free lands. Additionally, the government should prioritize clear development rules, a positive mortgage system, and encourage local building material manufacturing to reduce import reliance and currency fluctuations.”
Explaining Capital City’s expansion plan, he said: ” We are poised for expansion, aiming to establish a presence in 21 cities across Nigeria and beyond. Our goal is to operate in 5 African nations and 3 continents within the next 3 years. To achieve this vision, we’re refining our products to offer more ready-to-live options, scattered across the country for easy access. We are also introducing investment products, partnering with financial institutions for mortgage financing options, and investing in human capital through our Realtors Academy. This will facilitate international partnerships, enabling Nigerian realtors to operate globally. We are committed to collaborating with government agencies to develop mega cities and create a conducive environment for our desired society.”
Arch. Uche Kalu advised young entrepreneurs to prioritize planning over profits, distinguishing between cash flow and profit, and manage finances effectively for long-term success.